By The air-conditioned local trains in Mumbai are very popular because they offer a cool and comfortable journey during the hot and humid days. However, a new problem has made many regular commuters very angry and frustrated. Recently, passengers using the AC local trains have started a protest against the railway authorities. The main reason for this protest is the large advertisements that cover the entire body of the train, including the glass windows. These advertisements are made of thick material that makes the windows opaque. This means that people sitting inside the train cannot see the outside world clearly anymore. For many Mumbaikars, looking out of the window during their long commute is a way to relax, but now that simple joy has been taken away.
Passengers have complained that these opaque advertisements make the inside of the train feel very dark and suffocating. When the windows are covered with stickers, very little natural light enters the coach. This creates a closed-in feeling which can be very uncomfortable for people who travel for one or two hours every day. Some commuters mentioned that they feel like they are sitting in a locked box rather than a modern train. Safety is another big concern raised by the travelers. If the windows are blocked, it becomes difficult for passengers to identify which station has arrived, especially during the evening hours or when the internal announcement system is not working properly. In case of an emergency, being able to see outside is very important for the safety of everyone on board.
The railway department uses these advertisements to earn extra money, which is called non-fare revenue. While everyone understands that the railways need money to maintain the trains, passengers believe that this should not happen at the cost of their comfort. Many people pay a much higher fare for AC local train tickets compared to regular local trains. They feel that since they are paying more money, they deserve a better experience. They argue that advertisements should only be placed on the metal body of the train and the glass windows should be left completely clear. Social media has become a major platform for this protest. Many commuters are posting photos of the blocked windows and tagging railway officials to show how dark the coaches have become.
The protest is gaining more support every day as more AC trains are being covered with these wraps. Some passenger associations have also joined the cause. They are asking the Western Railway and Central Railway to listen to the feedback of the public. They suggest that if the railways want to put ads on windows, they should use high-quality perforated sheets that allow people to see through them from the inside. Currently, the material being used is too thick and blocks the view entirely. Commuters are hoping that the railway authorities will take quick action to remove these stickers from the windows.
The daily commute in Mumbai is already very stressful due to the heavy crowds and long distances. The AC local train was seen as a premium service that made life easier for many office goers. However, this issue with opaque windows has turned a pleasant journey into a source of annoyance. Many travelers say they will continue to raise their voices until the windows are cleared. They want the railways to balance their need for profit with the basic needs of the passengers. If the windows remain covered, it might discourage people from using the AC services in the future. Everyone is now waiting for an official response from the railway department to see if they will prioritize passenger comfort over advertising money.
Mumbai AC local train passengers have protested against opaque advertisements covering train windows, saying they block outside views and reduce natural light inside coaches. Commuters argue that such ads affect comfort and safety during long journeys. Passengers are urging Western and Central Railway authorities to remove window wraps or use see-through materials instead.
